Iran said to be exporting more oil than allowed

Iran may have exported oil at higher levels than allowed under western sanctions in March for the fifth month in a row, according to data released Friday by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The developed world’s energy watchdog claims the nation exported 1.65m barrels of crude per day in February, the highest level since June 2012, and probably close to that level again last month.

“Preliminary data for March show imports from Iran [to OECD and non-OECD countries] declined to 1.05m b/d but that figure will probably be revised upwards closer to February levels on receipt of more complete data,” the report said.

Among the countries that bought oil from Iran last month, the IEA names Albania, Syria and long-term clients such as China, India, South Korea, Japan and Turkey.

The IEA data is based on statistics provided to the organization by member and non-member states as well as shipping data.